An appeals court concluded the case against former Polish Prime Minister Włodzimierz Cimoszewicz, initially acquitted of hitting a cyclist in 2019.
Former Prime Minister’s Appeal Process Concludes
The appeal process against former Prime Minister Włodzimierz Cimoszewicz concluded on Wednesday at the District Court in Białystok. He was previously acquitted in the first instance of hitting a cyclist at a pedestrian crossing.
The prosecution filed the appeal, seeking a reversal of the initial verdict and a return of the case to the first instance court for re-examination.
Details of the Incident
The case concerns an incident that occurred on May 4, 2019, at a marked pedestrian crossing in Hajnówka, Podlaskie Voivodeship. The indictment stated that Cimoszewicz struck a 70-year-old cyclist, causing a fractured shinbone, facial abrasions, and hand injuries.
Prosecution’s Claims
Prosecutors alleged that Cimoszewicz negligently violated traffic safety regulations, failed to observe the road carefully, and did not exercise due caution, braking too late and causing the accident. They also accused him of leaving the scene of the accident.
Cimoszewicz’s Defense
Cimoszewicz denied causing the accident, stating he was traveling at the speed limit and the cyclist entered the crossing unexpectedly. He also claimed he did not flee the scene but transported the injured cyclist home at her request, after which she decided to go to the hospital.
First Instance Court’s Ruling
The court in Hajnówka found insufficient evidence to prove Cimoszewicz’s guilt in causing the accident, stating that doubts could not be resolved. It considered the alleged departure from the scene a misdemeanor, which was dismissed due to the statute of limitations.